Falsely Accused for the Glory of God
Acts 24
Introduction
If you’ve ever sat in suspense during a court room drama TV show or became fascinated while reading John Grisham, you are aware of our attraction with trial law. Here in our text today, we have just such a courtroom scene. We’ll see the accusers with their trumped up allegations. These Jewish leaders are flat out lying about Paul. Bearing false witness against one’s neighbor is breaking the ninth commandment. We’ll also see the prosecuting attorney with his well-crafted words. We’ll see the judge in action. Finally, we watch the accused give his defense.
Paul had been falsely accused and those who wanted him dead were there spreading lies about him. Just as the Judaizers followed Paul everywhere he went stirring up trouble and trying to persuade the people against the Gospel and against Paul, so now we witness a group of very influential Jews follow Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea.
As we read Chapter 24, notice with me that the message Paul preaches remains consistent whether speaking to Gentiles or to Jews…He reminds them of his orthodoxy and piety. He told them that he works very hard to always have a clear conscience in the sight of God and man. Because the Gospel changes us, he is calling them to obedience to God and then points them to Christ and especially the hope we have in the resurrection.
Chapter 24 has basically two theological themes: worship and saving faith[1]
In keeping with the theological themes, notice how Paul explains that his worship is founded on the OT law and prophets and then is moved forward through Jesus Christ and then Paul’s worship centers on His resurrection. Also notice, what Paul says about how the Gospel has impacted his life. He worships Jesus Christ and as he worships and has been changed by the Gospel, he lives a life in reverence to God, something these false accusers sorely lack.
Paul knows God is at work through the sinfulness of these accusers so, he has a level of peace in that truth. How are we to respond when false accusations are brought against us? The key to our response is determined by the fact that the accusations are, hopefully to begin with, false as in Paul’s case and ultimately in our Lord’s case. Jesus responded in silence…
22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. [2]
In Jesus’ case, He was out to accomplish the Father’s will by going to the cross and by dying the death that God would accept as payment for our sin. Jesus was silent.
In Paul’s case, however, God wanted him to give a defense. In fact, it was foretold that Paul would take the Gospel to the ends of the earth and testify before Kings of the saving work of Jesus.
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.[3]
Paul had a kingdom focus as he endured this trial. He knew who was in control and his thinking was not on earthly things but entirely fixed on Jesus Christ. He also knew the promise of Jesus…
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. [4]
This was Paul’s way of thinking. Before we begin I want us to consider just how important it is for us to think like Paul. He had done nothing wrong and was being falsely accused, yet, he too was entrusting himself to God.
In the words of Jesus we read that everyone who is persecuted for righteousness sake…regardless who you are and regardless what type of persecution it is whether mild or severe, you will be blessed. It’s a good thing in the sight of God when His beloved followers are falsely accused because of their commitment to Jesus.
Our Lord’s words here in Matthew are an example of the great reversal found in the Gospel of Jesus. Here we read that God blesses us when we are hated by the world. I love finding these types of reversals because it reminds me how radically sinful our fallen thinking is.
Here are a couple more examples of divine reversals…
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. [5]
When evil or sin is perpetrated against us, we should not retaliate but must find a way to do good to that person. In so doing Jesus is magnified and evil has not overcome us.
Or what about the person who fears God’s judgment?
18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. [6]
The closer we are to Christ the more this way of thinking makes sense. After all, God says in Isaiah that His thoughts are not our thoughts. So, if we are going to live a life for God’s glory we must see and take note of the great reversals in Scripture because even though they sound weird to us these reversals are not reversals for God.
I really don’t think Paul was some superhero but a man who has experienced Jesus to the fullest and lived in light of that fact.
He could share the Gospel with his accusers and not be afraid. He could confront their evil with good because he had the mind of Christ and Paul understood God’s thoughts as he served Jesus. The great reversals in the Bible were not reverse for Paul but moving forward.
Our sin nature, which is slowly being eradicated, has nonetheless influenced our thinking. Many things in the Bible don’t make sense to us. But it is in these cases we must believe God and not rely on our fallen thinking.
TT-Christians have an active saving faith in Christ shown by a clear conscience toward God and man
Human need met by text
Our text today connects with us in the area of our need to trust God and exercise saving faith in repenting, keeping a clear conscience, and walking uprightly in this sinful world. God works and we too must work to maintain uprightness in our lives.
Please hear God’s Word for us today…
24 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. 2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:
“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”
9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.
10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’ ”
22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. [7]
1. Tertullus’ Charges
And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. 2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:
“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”
9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.
The high priest, Ananius comes fully loaded and ready to see Paul put to death. Nothing but death would suffice. The charge that was worthy of death so far as the Jews were concerned was the charge of profaning the Temple. He brings many witnesses or we should see here, those who were probably either bribed or simply willing to do anything he said to be in association with the high priest. We also see the greatest prosecuting attorney of the day, the great Tertullus.
It’s not enough that Paul has been taken out of the city and incarcerated. It’s not enough that he is under Roman guards. It’s not enough that Paul’s voice has been silenced in Jerusalem but they want his voice silenced everywhere they want Paul dead.
Notice how Tertullus is going to great lengths to butter up Felix.
“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.
Its one thing to show due respect to authority but this is totally over the top. Whenever a prosecutor resorts to this tactic right off, he clearly has no hard evidence, no facts on which to base his case. It’s the same today as it was back then. Whenever, great many complements are given…watch out because the one smoosing it up is after something for himself. Here, he is trying to get Felix to show him favor in the case. So much so, he even flat out lies. Felix was not a very good leader. He had been in hot water many times with the emperor. His way of handling the Jews most often did not go well.
Even as bad as Felix was in handling things, I don’t think he was taken in by Tertullus and his pleasantries.
Finally, he gets to the accusations…
5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”
-Stirring up riots all over the world (that’s pretty impressive)
-Ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes
-Tried to profane the temple
But, we seized him…Actually, it was the Romans who seized Paul for his protection because the Jews were actually creating the riot.
Do you see Tertullus’ tactic here? But closely examining Paul, you too will find him guilty of everything we accuse him of. The problem is that there is no hard evidence at all that could be held against Paul.
I want to bring out another application point here. These Jewish accusers of Paul and the prosecuting attorney, Tertullus were accusing a man more righteous than they were. This is the pinnacle of hypocrisy. To pretend to be the ones desiring justice was one thing but then to accuse someone else of sin is entirely something else. Beloved we must be careful of this type of hypocrisy. The sad truth, however, is I have seen it many times over the years among God’s people.
Because of our fallen nature pointing out someone else’s sin will always be easier than looking inwardly and seeing our own. We must always examine our own hearts first before ever accusing someone else of sin.
6 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.[8]
There are times when we must lovingly confront someone but when we do, we must take care that we are not guilty of something as sinful as they are. We must not be the hypocrite.
There is a big difference between a hypocrite and a Christian…Hypocrites sin and pretend to be innocent and do not repent. A true Christian when sin is committed sees his sin and does not pretend but repents. The mark of a Christian is a life of repentance. Kids, do you know Jesus Christ as Savior? If you do, your life should be marked by seeing your sin and asking God to forgive you and turning away from it. Never think sin is no big deal. When your parents speak to you about it listen closely, they are not just getting on you but are seeking to help you see your sin so you can repent.
2. Paul’s Defense
11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.
–Timing
Paul explains that he did not go up to Jerusalem to start trouble nor stir up a dispute; he went up to Jerusalem to worship. This is important because his intention was in no way to desecrate the Temple as they have accused him. In fact, he makes mention of a very short time period between his arriving in Jerusalem and this current day. If anyone was so inclined, they could go there and find witnesses verifying the fact that Paul did not stir up the crowd. The truth is that it was probably some of these very Jews who were charging Paul with disturbing the peace that were guilty.
–No Proof
His second line of defense was to question the reliability of his accusers. His claim is that they actually did not find him arguing with anyone or stirring up the crowd. In a very respectful way, he tells Felix that the Jews cannot prove anything that they are accusing him of.
–I Went to Worship
Another line of defense he uses is in the form of a confession…This confession is not admitting to any of the accusations but simply confessing that he worships the God of his ancestors. In doing this, he explains to Felix that Christianity or the Way is, in fact, built on the same Old Testament beliefs that the Jews have. The Way is not a sect as they would want the Romans to believe but it is the consummation of all the Jews had been taught and believed through the centuries. I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets
By responding this way, he counters the charges that he is out to destroy Judaism and desecrate the temple. In fact, He loves the Temple as much as Jesus did when He worshipped there. By explaining that Paul tries to maintain a clear conscience before God and before all people, he is showing in a humble way that his righteousness far exceeds the supposed righteousness of the Jews who stand before him pointing their fingers and lying. They are lying, they are placing themselves as judges, and they have left their duties in Jerusalem to falsely accuse Paul. They are the ones who through sin and hypocrisy have desecrated the Temple.
The accused now stands taller than any of his accusers…
He speaks boldly and clearly about the true way of worship. He speaks of having a clear conscience and a bold relationship with the resurrected Jesus. He even presses the point. Even Felix himself feels the weight of conviction that Paul presses on him. Here, in a quick turn of events the prisoner becomes the prosecutor. He brings the high priest and the governor under the authority of God Himself. Through it all, Paul is trusting God, even with his very life.
Do you trust God? Do you believe He is in control? Look with me to the end of this section to see how God is keeping His promises to Paul…
3. Call for Belief
24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. [9]
We must see something very important. Paul did not get angry and frustrated when, by order of Governor Felix he was kept in custody. Here again, Paul entrusted himself to God. He knew of the sovereign God who works all things to His glory. One of the reasons Paul remained in custody was that God desired for Felix to hear the Gospel clearly. Paul was faithful in sharing when the time was right…
heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.
Listen to me closely, adults and children…everyone here today…do you have saving faith in Jesus Christ? Are you currently repenting and following Christ? Do you believe without any doubt that Jesus has forgiven you of all your sins?
Felix heard these truths. Paul went on to tell him about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment.
Are you seeking to walk in righteousness?
Are you practicing self-control?
Are you aware that there is a final judgment coming when God will judge ALL people?
Felix heard this and was alarmed but as far as the text indicates, never repented. He heard the Gospel and was called to place his trust in Jesus and was alarmed but did not repent.
I wonder if Paul quoted Jesus’ words to Felix as he spoke to him about the coming judgment?
43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ [10]
Additional Application
Exhortation
Please understand when by God’s grace the Gospel is presented we must respond quickly and not put it off. Felix was burdened by what Paul said but he was not moved to repent.
Are you a Christian? Is your life marked by repentance or are you a fine polished hypocrite? Remember, lost people are hypocrites and Christians are repenters.
[1] David Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 628
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (1 Pe 2:22–23). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ac 9:15). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Mt 5:10–12). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ro 12:21). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (1 Jn 4:18). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
[7] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ac 24:1–27). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
[8] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ga 6:1). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
[9] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ac 24:1–27). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
[10] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Mk 9:43–48). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
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